2. amps-preamps
  3. 163923-157044

What would you do?

So, I want to tweak the sound of my system (Hegel 160 integrated, Cambridge CXC transport, TAD tube DAC (pretty old), Joseph Audio RM25Mark2 XL). I want to increase soundstage and curb a slight tendency for high end harshness.  I know that soundstage is mainly in the mastering of a CD.  And I know that the room plays a big role but I can't make changes there. Just retired and "need" to give myself a present (up to about $3,000 new or used). Have been thinking about getting a new DAC ( Audio Mirror Tubador 111SE with Balanced output).  But wonder if the money would be better spent elsewhere. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
dharmaman

Showing 2 responses by newbee

newbee
4,815 posts
 
I agree w/Jones. Get a Schitt Loki, a 4 band tone control which will help you tailor your sound issues. It has bands at 400 and 2000hz which might easily help correct your problem. You put it between your source and your integrated amp. It is relatively benign and has a pass-by switch. It's cheap (@$150) and easily obtainable. I use one in a dedicated headphone system and really appreciate it on a lot of my CD's. (I don't need it in my main system  but I tried it there an it works well). FWIW, if your integrated has a tape loop that is a perfect place for this unit. 

BTW, I assume you have tried already but if not - adjust your speaker's  toe in until the axis crosses well in front  of your listening chair. That works for many set ups. 
newbee
4,815 posts
 
Sound staging, especially 'depth  of image' is principally the product of the recording. If it is there, and in few it is, the rest of it is found in your speaker/room set up. You are not likely to be able to enhance sound staging to any meaningful degree by just getting better (or newer speakers) although you might get some with a better (for your situation) tonal balance. Conversely properly set up speakers of a modest design can produce a pretty good sound stage, at least a two dimensional one.  

 Regarding my recommended toe-in, the principal benefit of substantial to-in is the reduction of frequency bounce off nearby side walls which can create high frequency emphasis as well as broadband distortion at the listening position.

The only issue one must be aware of when doing this is the nature of the signal. Many speakers are hot 'on axis' and roll off off axis. In a 'straight ahead set up you would probably be listening about 20 - 25 degrees off axis, so if you toe in your speakers you want to avoid having them with having the axis pointed at your head, you must rotate them with the axis well in front of your head replicating the angle you would have were the speakers pointed straight ahead.  Looks funny but if you research this issue in depth you will find that many manufacturers/dealers use such a toe-in set up in demo rooms. Try it - with the axis of both speakers crossing well in front of your chair. 

TMI perhaps but I'm just trying to help you keep from going down a  bottomless hole.

Good luck


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